“We are taking this decision with real sadness," a statement released by the Scottish FA read.

"Craig has worked hard to bring success, and has been thoroughly professional in his approach to the job. He has achieved a great deal with the team and in other areas, such as the performance strategy. However, he would be the first to agree that football is a results-driven business.

“For that reason we have relieved Craig of his duties with immediate effect.”

Levein was due to reveal on Tuesday the squad to face Luxembourg in a friendly clash this Friday, but the Scottish FA have announced this announcement will now be delayed while current Under-21 boss Billy Stark takes control of the team.

The statement continued: “Billy Stark will take interim charge of the team for the friendly against Luxembourg. There will be a short delay in announcing that squad, which Billy will select, and we have informed the Luxembourg FA of this development.

“We will shortly announce an interim replacement for the Under-21 squad ahead of their match against Portugal next week.

“After the Luxembourg match, the board will meet to begin the process of identifying and recruiting the next national coach to take us forward. We will give ourselves time, given our fixture schedule, to find the right person for the job.

“The challenge for the squad now is to improve our position in Group A and, subsequently, improve our position in the Fifa rankings. We also must begin preparations for the Uefa European Championships in France in 2016, which for the first time will have 24 qualification places available.”